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Carrickmacross Town Council rejects Development Levies

At the March monthly meeting of Carrickmacross Town Council the members
rejected the proposed development contribution scheme on the proposal of
Sinn Féin Councillor Matt Carthy.

Speaking afterwards Cllr. Carthy said:

"I am happy that Carrickmacross Town Council has reiterated the decisions
made by other local authorities in County Monaghan by rejecting these unfair
charges. Let us be very clear about one thing; if implemented these charges
would affect first time home-buyers and new home-builders disproportionately.

"The argument made by the County Manager and others that this funding is
needed to provide amenities in our town spells out the problem that is at
the heart of the charges. Everybody in the town and surrounding areas will
be in a position to enjoy any services of this type. Is it fair therefore
to ask a few to pay for us all? The just answer is certainly not.

"The real problem that has led us to this situation is that central
governments have continually failed to adequately fund local authorities.
Those of us who pay tax are having service after service included on the
list of things we pay twice for. Rather than providing tax breaks and
creating tax avoidance schemes for the mega-rich that money should be
invested in local councils who could then gives communities the services
they deserve.

"The Fianna Fáil government has tried to impose these charges on local
communities under a threat that failure to do so may prevent funding for
projects from central government. This is a bullying tactic that cannot be
allowed to succeed."

Cllr. Carthy also insisted that the rejection of development levies by
councillors may have a beneficial impact for Carrickmacross and County
Monaghan.

"In Monaghan we now have an opportunity, like never before, to encourage
industry and investment to our county. We have low rate charges and we are
now the only county in this region to refuse to be bullied by Martin Cullen
and Fianna Fáil in imposing these charges on young couples building or
buying their first home or on a business trying to set up and employ local
people.

"If promoted correctly County Monaghan can become an attractive location for
business. Our challenge now is to implement a strategy that will make such
an opportunity a reality."